New CD ESP 4006 Albert Ayler / Bells : Prophecy

This combined release features two live sets of early Albert Ayler material. 1964's Prophecy, Ayler's earliest recording date for ESP, features the trio that later recorded Spiritual Unity. On this date, the group is in spectacular form. 1965's Bells, finds Ayler in quintet form, backed by his brother Donald, Charles Tyler, Lewis Worrell, and the familiar Sunny Murray. Short and sweet, Bells is a 20-minute powerful, ferocious romp containing excellent group improvisation and Ayler's signature military-themed melodies.


Personnel

Bells:
Albert Ayler: tenor sax
Donald Ayler: trumpet
Charles Tyler: alto sax
Lewis Worrell: bass
Sunny Murray: drums

Prophecy:
Albert Ayler: tenor sax
Gary Peacock: bass
Sunny Murray: drums


Track Listing
1. Spirits 7:53
2. Wizard 8:24
3. Ghosts: First Variation 11:18
4. Prophecy 7:13
5. Ghosts: Second Variation 7:06
6. Bells 19:54

All compositions by Albert Ayler (2005 Syndicore Music BMI).

Credits

ESP 3030 Prophecy:
Engineer: Paul Haines. Cover photograph: thierry Trombert. Recorded Live, Cellar Cafe, New York City, June 14th, 1964.

ESP 1010 Bells:
Engineer: Richard L. Alderson. Cover concept: Jordan Matthews. Recorded live at Town Hall, New York City, May 1st, 1965.

Front & back cover layout & design by Paul Costuros. Digitally remastered by Douglas McGregor.



Press Quotes

"As a package, Bells and Prophecy make for a highly intense, utterly engaging, and even awe-inspiring listen." - Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

"...tenorman Albert Ayler has probably, next to Coltrane and Cecil Taylor, held the most sway on the direction of improvisation from a "thematic" or ?phrase-based" approach to that of a purely sonic one." - Clifford Allen, All About Jazz


(ESP-Disk')